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RIP Domenico Clerico. Farewell to one of the Barolo’s greatest producers

One of the most popular Italian Barolo's producers dies at the age of 67, after having been ill for a long time. Here's our tribute to Domenico Clerico.

One of the most popular Italian Barolo's producers dies at the age of 67, after having been ill for a long time. Here's our tribute to Domenico Clerico.

Domenico Clerico

Born in 1950, Domenico Clerico was one of the Italian wine world’s greatest innovators. In 1976 he took charge of the family winery in Monforte d’Alba and decided to devote himself to Barolo. Today his winery measures 21 hectares and exports excellent wine to over 40 countries around the world.

“He began in 1976 and immediately showed that he had clear ideas. He wanted to shake up the Barolo microcosm and make it great, showing young people entering the sector that the profession of winemaker could be a proud one in the Langhe. Domenico reached his goal, working hard but still finding time to spend with his friends, opening his cellars to passionate wine lovers from around the globe and uncorking not only his own labels, but the best Italian and French bottles.” This was the editorial in Gambero Rosso, which continued: “Success came early and was well-deserved, with his Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra first and then Pajana, his painful Percristina and extravagant Aeroplanservaj, as well as many other labels that were genuine expressions of his vineyards. Little by little over the years, the number of fine crus grew. We remember him smiling and generous, passionate and innovative, capable and stubborn in the countryside and in his cellars, a force of nature who gave the world great, great wines.”